Composite Materials Research Progress

68
Domain where the
material is
distributed
Solid
Michaël Bruyneel
Figure 4.2. Illustration of a topology optimization problem (after Bruyneel, 2002)
For composite structures, and due to the stratification of the material, it results that 2
topology optimization problems must be defined and solved simultaneously: the optimal
distribution of plies at a given altitude in the laminate (Figure 4.3) and the transverse topology
optimization where the optimal local stacking sequence is looked for (Figure 4.4). Continuity
conditions between adjacent laminates should also be imposed.
Figure 4.3. Topology optimization at a given altitude in the non homogeneous laminate.
Figure 4.4. Transverse topology optimization in a composite structure.
Void